In honor of First-Generation College Student Celebration Month, UA Little Rock is profiling some of its outstanding first-generation students.

Ariel Hudson-Montgomery is a senior music vocal major and Spanish minor from Meridian, Mississippi.

What does it mean to you to be a first-generation student?

It means bringing forth a new legacy of my family to a higher level of learning and breaking barriers of miseducation and ignorance. I am a better person for it.

How did your family react when you told them you wanted to go to college?

They were excited that I wanted to go to college because a lot of my family refused to go. They were amazed at my bravery to be different from them.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of college so far?

The most rewarding aspect has been meeting and learning from people of different ages, ethnicities, and genders. Having wisdom and knowledge come from other people helps me learn more about myself.

What made you choose UA Little Rock?

I chose UA Little Rock because it was close to my parents. Being a first-generation student is a little intimidating without a support system.

What do you plan to do after graduation?

I plan to go to graduate school at Florida State University. I want to receive my master’s degree in vocal pedagogy to be a vocal coach.

Do you have any advice for future first-generation students?

It’s okay to not know everything. Use the resources and people around you to excel and follow your dreams.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Sometimes being a first-generation and low-income student can feel like you don’t belong. That’s not the case when you’re at UA Little Rock. They set up the system to help you and aid you in any way possible. Asking for help is the best decision you can make.